Sexual Assault Victims to Receive Arthur Ashe Award at ESPYS

The hundreds of athletes that have spoken in court about the extensive abuse suffered at the hands of the former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State team doctor will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award when The 2018 ESPYS air live Wednesday, July 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

What They Are Saying:

Alison Overholt, Vice President and Editor in Chief, ESPN The Magazine, espnW, and The ESPYS:“We are honored to recognize the courage of these women at The 2018 ESPYS, to acknowledge the power of their voices, and to shine a very well-deserved spotlight on what speaking up, fighting back, and demanding accountability can accomplish. They have shown us all what it truly means to speak truth to power, and through their bravery, they are making change for future generations. By honoring this group who spoke out, we aim to honor all of those who are survivors of abuse.”

Maura Mandt, executive producer, The ESPYS: “For 25 years, the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage has been given to those who change the world in important ways, and the future will undoubtedly be different because of the actions of these heroic women. This tribute will reflect the awe and admiration these individuals deserve.”

Past Arthur Ashe Award for Courage Recipients:

1993: Jim Valvano

1994: Steve Palermo

1995: Howard Cosell

1996: Loretta Claiborne

1997: Muhammad Ali

1998: Dean Smith

1999: Billie Jean King

2000: William David Sanders

2001: Cathy Freeman

2002: Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, Jeremy Glick

2003: Pat Tillman, Kevin Tillman

2004: George Weah

2005: Emmanuel Ofosu, Yeboah, Jim MacLaren

2006: Roia Ahmad, Shamila Kohestani

2007: Trevor Ringland, David Cullen

2008: Tommie Smith, John Carlos

2009: Nelson Mandela

2010: Ed Thomas

2011: Dewey Bozella

2012: Pat Summitt

2013: Robin Roberts

2014: Michael Sam

2015: Caitlyn Jenner

2016: Zaevion Dobson

2017: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

About The ESPYS:

The ESPYS gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances.